title: Synergistic effect of dentinal tubule occlusion by nano-carbonate apatite and CO2 laser in vitro.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the occluding effects of a combination of dentifrice containing nano-carbonate apatite (n-CAP) and a CO2 laser on dentinal tubules, and to assess the acid resistance of the occluded dentinal tubules produced.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A number of experiments have been conducted recently to relieve the symptoms of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) using a laser in combination with desensitizing products.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twenty specimens with exposed dentinal tubules were divided into four groups: the control, n-CAP, laser, and combined groups. Thirty specimens in each group were reassigned into three different conditions: baseline, treatment for occluding dentinal tubules, and acid challenge (pH 4.0 acetate buffer solution for 3 min). At the end of each phase, all specimen surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The combined group had a significantly smaller mean dentinal tubule area than the control group, and the fewest reopened dentinal tubules after acid challenge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined therapy is a promising means of treating DH patients in the clinic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry and Public Oral Health, Research Center for Orofacial Hard Tissue Regeneration, Brain Korea 21 project, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Sun
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sun Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Ho Keun
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Baek Il
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D001031:Apatites / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D003806:Dentin Permeability / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
chemical_list: D001031:Apatites; D003802:Dentifrices; C030782:carboapatite